Thursday, May 16, 2013

Checking Out The Benefits Of Yoga For Kids

By Cara S Burnaby


Many children are not getting enough exercise and this has a lot of parents concerned. Sedentary lifestyles can lead to all types of health problems in later years, and now is the time to do something about it. This is one of many reasons to look into the benefits of yoga for kids.

Yoga is very good for the mind and body, and it is just as good for young people as it is for adults. Exercise is great for stress relief. Stretching postures help to increase awareness of the body and improve coordination. Joints become looser and stronger and even though children have good flexibility, young joints can stiffen without frequent activity. A qualified instructor knows that a child's attention span is different from grownups and makes allowances. Classes are simple and poses are introduced one at a time, until they are mastered. Children are allowed to learn at a pace that is comfortable.

New activities expose children to new experiences. Exercise is a much needed break from school, computers, and video games. When one opens the mind to new experiences it allows for inner growth. As children grow, it teaches them to be comfortable in their own bodies.

If you have a child that is not overly fond of sports, consider the benefits of yoga for kids. This is something that everyone can do regardless of their skills and abilities. If children are not sports oriented they can receive an outlet to express physical activity, without the competition that comes from playing sports. In competition there must be a winner and loser but with the right exercise program, everyone wins.

Your child can benefit from a good yoga class at any age. If you check, you may find a good mother/baby class in your neighborhood. Some people think that babies get very little from classes, but young minds are like a sponge and absorb everything. Early exposure to something pleasurable can create a love that will last a lifetime. Toddler classes are designed to benefit small children without being too taxing, mentally and physically.

When you check into kid's classes, make sure that they are taught by a certified teacher. This insures that your children will get the most from the class, and it will be conducted in a lighthearted manner that is easy for kids to understand and enjoy. If the class is only for children ask if you can stay and watch, as this is the best way to evaluate the class.

If you cannot find classes near your home, try creating your own home class. Get mats for you and the children and choose music that they enjoy. In fact, let them choose the songs. Begin with easy to learn and understand poses and breathing. Three part breath exercises are good to start with.

The benefits of yoga for kids are just as important for children as adults. Kids will enjoy poses like the "Dog" and "Cat Stretch". The "Cobra" and "Tree" poses are effective as is the "Butterfly" and the "Sponge" (also called the "Corpse"). Use your imagination and the important thing is to move and have fun.




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